1891-O Morgan dollar has several major varieties to search for including VAM-20

About VAMS column from the March 23, 2015, issue of Coin World

A strong shift between date punchings is visible inside the upper loop of the 8.
Images courtesy of John Roberts. Image courtesy of John Roberts.

This obverse die can be further identified by its pattern of polishing lines in and above the Y of LIBERTY. Image courtesy of John Roberts.

The reverse die was subjected to a significantly offset clashing strike during its use in an earlier marriage. An outline of the obverse portrait passes through the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. Image courtesy of John Roberts.

The O Mint mark is set within normal tolerance. Minor die doubling appears inside the bow. Image courtesy of John Roberts.

The 1891-O Morgan dollar has several major varieties that specialists
routinely search for. The VAM-20 dollar was first reported in 2009 and
formally described and published in New VAM Varieties of Morgan
Dollars by Leroy Van Allen.

The variety’s obverse is instantly recognizable by its repunched
date with an unusually strong shift. While all four digits show signs
of secondary images, the remnants inside the upper loop of the 8 are
by far the most dramatic.

The traces of the errant date punch are higher and slightly further
left than the primary date. It took several blows to sink the date to
its desired depth. In this period, the die shop had both four-digit
gang punches and single digits for touch up work.

Since all four secondary images are in a similar alignment, it’s
safe to assume this was from the full date punch.

The reverse die was used earlier in the VAM-14/14A marriage. This
particular reverse is listed as a minor doubled die, most evident
inside the top of the wreath bow.

During production, a significant offset clashing episode occurred.
The outline of the bottom edge of Liberty’s portrait can be seen
winding its way through the letters of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

Additionally, the clashed reflection of Morgan’s initial can be
found directly below the D of GOD. If the dies were normally aligned
when they clashed, these images would be at least 2 millimeters higher
and clearly above the motto. The VAM-20 coin highlights the later use
of this reverse, as the odd clashing is on that side only.

The VAM-20 1891-O dollar has yet to capture widespread attention and
only a few examples have been found since its 2009 discovery. A firm
trading history has yet to be established.

I’d estimate its retail value to be roughly equivalent to its
counterpart, the VAM-14A dollar.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.